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Tag: #kids

  • Gentle Monster launching kids collection

    Gentle Monster launching kids collection

    Gentle Monster Kids makes its debut in Singapore at its Marina Bay Sands flagship.

    Inspired by young creators and “little kids with big dreams”, the collection includes six designs: Chapssal, Eastmoon, Jackbye, Newturtle, Peggy, and Ribbon.

    The Chapssal tortoise cat-eye frames feature narrow, UV protection lenses with raised corners, etched with the Gentle Monster logo.

    These designs are shrunken versions of the brand’s signature pieces from its 2019 range, and are made through a campaign that features Coco Pink Princess, an eight-year-old Instagram style icon from Japan.

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  • Poney flagship Store in KL opens at Central iCity

    Poney flagship Store in KL opens at Central iCity

    Malaysian childrenswear retailer Poney has opened a flagship store in the new Central iCity shopping centre.

    Poney Group has three brands – Poney, Baby Poney and Poney Enfants, offering apparel and accessories for newborns, toddlers and children aged up to 12 years old.

    The new boutique displays the full range in a bright, light setting, located next to Trudy & Teddy.

    Central iCity is the first shopping centre in Malaysia’s capital city to be opened by Thailand’s Central Group. It also features a Sogo department store and Malaysia’s 500th (and the world’s 15,000th) AS Watson store.

    Founded in 1992 by Albert Tan and his wife Sharon Ng, Poney Group began with consignment counters inside department stores before opening its first boutique in The Mines Shopping Mall in 1997. A flagship store opened in Suria KLCC two years later.

    The company has since expanded in Malaysia and offshore into markets including Singapore, China, Indonesia and the Middle East.

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  • Outdoor Retailers Fighting for Market Share

    Outdoor Retailers Fighting for Market Share

    Outdoor retailers Kathmandu and Decathlon are vying for a piece of Australia’s ski and snowboard market this winter.

    Both businesses are launching inaugural snow collections, despite the fact that less than a million Australians regularly or occasionally ski or snowboard, according to 2018 data from Roy Morgan.

    On Thursday, Kathmandu launched its inaugural snow collection called Styper, which includes ski jackets and pants for adults and kids, as well as goggles and snow luggage.

    “Designed to suit beginner and intermediate levels, as well as the more sophisticated skiers, the pieces connect seamlessly together to keep warmth in and snow out, and are made with sustainable, state of the art ngx2 fabric technology that is waterproof, wind-proof and breathable,” the retailer said in a statement.

    The launch comes on the heels of Decathlon’s announcement that it is introducing more than 100 ski and snowboard-specific product lines from its Wed’ze brand available in Australia this year.

    The European discount retailer described its offer as an affordable option for people who want a trusted brand and good advice. The range will include adult ski jackets and pants for under $100, adult ski gloves for less than $40, kids’ ski gloves for less than $20, neck warmers and beanies for $10 and ski and binding packages for under $500.

    The price point is considerably lower than Kathmandu, which starts at $199.98 for kids and $349.98 for adults.

    Kathmandu’s collection is available in-store in Australia and New Zealand, while Decathlon’s collection is available in-store and online in Australia.

    Fashion brand SuperDry has been selling its snow range in Australia and New Zealand for the past three years.

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  • Foot Locker Opens in Jewel Changi Airport, Celebrating Youth and Sneaker Culture

    Foot Locker Opens in Jewel Changi Airport, Celebrating Youth and Sneaker Culture

    Located in Jewel Changi Airport, the two-story space with a dedicated women’s and kids’ area, delivers an engaging retail experience, combining premium products, elevated in-store presentations, as well as enhanced customer experiences.

    With impressive footwear and apparel collections from global brand partners, customers can expect elevated product storytelling from Nike, adidas, Puma, Fila and Champion. The store celebrates basketball culture, offering a premium selection of sneakers and apparel from Nike and Jordan, and features the widest selection of Nike Air Max Plus (TN’s) available in market.

    The store features specially commissioned artwork by local artist Clogtwo, setting the tone for how Foot Locker will regularly tailor the store to the local community.

    To celebrate the launch, Foot Locker hosted a preview event for media. Attendees experienced Xbox gaming, a pop up nail bar and Nike customisation.

    Commenting on the new store, Tomas Petersson, VP and GM, Foot Locker Asia said, “The Jewel store gives Foot Locker a great opportunity to engage and inspire youth culture within the local community. We designed a space that celebrates the city’s creative community and inspires Singapore’ssneaker enthusiasts.”

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  • China’s baby-care market sees boost

    China’s baby-care market sees boost

    China’s baby-care market achieved total sales of RMB9.617 billion (US$1.4 billion) last year, reflecting rapid growth, according to new research from Mintel. Between 2013 and last year, the market recorded a CAGR of 19 per cent thanks to the relaxation of the one-child policy and a consumer trend towards premiumisation in the country.

    Baby skincare is the largest segment of China’s baby-care market, accounting for 60 per cent. The baby-bath and soap segment comes in second, at 31 per cent, followed by the baby-hair products segment which accounts for roughly 10 per cent.

    “China’s baby-care market grew at a considerable rate in recent years and will see sustained growth in the next five years,” said Vicky Zhou, research analyst at Mintel China.

    “Although the current slower birth rate will affect the market, increased spending on each child and higher usage frequency should make up for the market’s growth.”

    Usage

    Insect repellents for babies was the fastest-growing sector last year, with as many as 47 per cent of Chinese consumers aged 20-39 with children aged up to three years old saying they have used baby insect repellents more often during the last year.

    Meanwhile, nearly half of Chinese consumers say that they have been using baby shower gels and baby body lotions or creams more often in the past year, rounding up the top three products with the highest change in usage frequency among Chinese consumers.

    Baby suncare also has recorded the least increase in usage frequency with only 15 per cent of Chinese consumers having used this more often in the past year, and more than 65 per cent have not used baby sun-care products.

    Skin is always a priority among Chinese parents. ‘Solve skin problems’ (71 per cent) and ‘contain ingredients that can benefit skin’ (68 per cent) are the top two attributes that parents are willing to pay a premium for when purchasing baby-care products.

    Problems

    Just over a third (34 per cent) of Chinese consumers say their biggest concern when choosing products is not knowing if it is suitable for their babies, while 32 per cent say they are afraid to try products they have not used before.

    Furthermore, 29 per cent say they do not know the ingredients used in the products, and lack understanding of the advantages of one brand versus another.

    “Parents are interested in and willing to pay a premium for baby-care products with premium claims, specifically products that can solve skin problems or contain ingredients that can bring benefits to their babies’ skin,” Zhou concluded.

    China’s baby-care market is expected to see sustained growth during the next five years, with total sales set to grow at a CAGR of 14.5 per cent, reaching RMB18.888 billion in 2023.

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  • Build-A-Bear to open more stores in next 10 years in India

    Build-A-Bear to open more stores in next 10 years in India

    For more than 21 years, U.S. based personalized experiential toy retail brand Build-A-Bear has been sharing hearts and bear hugs globally, and after a long wait, Tablez – the retail arm of LuLu Group International, has launched the first Build-A-Bear store in India, at Toys”R”Us, Phoenix Marketcity in Bangalore. Build-A-Bear is a global customized stuffed-animal retail entertainment brand that aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025. Besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us.

    On this special occasion, Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said: “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to open the first store in Bangalore. Build-A-Bear is synonymous with creativity and novelty for children. I am sure that each child that enters our store will cherish their experience and leave with an indelible memory.

    “From standalone stores to shop-in-shop formats, Build-A-Bear is ready to reach out to families and kids in India and help loved ones create memories and spend more time together. We plan to open 20 standalone stores of Build-A-Bear across key cities in India over the next 10 years, along with shop-in-shop formats across all our Toys”R”Us stores as well.”

    Dorrie Krueger, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Strategy Officer, said, “Together with Tablez India, we are excited to open the first Build-A-Bear store in India and continue to expand into this important global market. We look forward to introducing the Build-A-Bear brand and sharing the joy of making a new furry friend with millions of families.”

    Build-A-Bear is a global brand that kids love and parents trust for fantastic family experiences. The ‘Choose Me’ wall at every Build-A-Bear store is where the empowerment journey begins as each guest chooses an unstuffed animal to bring to life. Accessories give customers the freedom to customize their creation. The heart ceremony is where one can add special wishes to their friend. During the stuffing process, a heart is placed in the bear along with special wishes, and the guest promises to care for their new furry friend once they are given the birth certificate. This signature ceremony brings each stuffed animal to life in a personal way, further ensuring a greater attachment.

    Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear has helped millions find their own meaning in a new furry friend. The brand has nearly 500 stores worldwide and more than 180 million furry friends have been made globally in its 21-year history. Build-A-Bear helps guests mark special occasions, start friendships, and inspires people to make their own adventures. At Build-A-Bear, one is empowered to feel that anything is possible.

    Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. Build-A-Bear plans to expand to as many as 65 shop-in-shop format stores and 20 standalone stores in India over the next 10 years.

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  • Net-a-Porter launches kidswear with Gucci

    Net-a-Porter launches kidswear with Gucci

    After its Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana childrenswear pop-up e-shops generated a resounding “more!” from Net-a-porter.com customers, the retailer is launching a multi-brand kidswear collective. By “collective”, Net-a-porter.com means, quite simply, a tight edit of brands which have all created exclusive capsule collections for the website. Yeah Right NYC Kids, Alanui Kids, ATM Kids, Chinti & Parker Kids, Lingua Franca Kids, Golden Goose Deluxe and Veja make up the list of seven labels for girls and boys ages one to 12.

    “The new year felt like the perfect time to launch this collective,” Elizabeth von der Goltz, Net-a-porter.com’s global buying director, tells Mini Vogue. “It’s January – kids are back to school but there’s this idea of cosiness and wanting to feel comfortable.”

    The capsules, accordingly, reflect this: cashmere sweaters, comfy cardigans, track pants and trainers populate the new section. “Whether it’s for ourselves or for our kids, we are always thinking about wellness in January so this this an extension of that – it’s luxe athleisure for kids!”

    If the list of brands feels more offbeat than the global labels Net-a-porter.com first dabbled in the kidswear market with, this was intentional.

    “As an online global retailer known for our distinct fashion point of view, we wanted to take this and bring it to the kidswear market, creating something different from traditional retailers.”

    Von der Glotz is particularly excited about the patterned cardies from Alanui Kids collection and the mini-me versions of Golden Goose and Veja sneakers – two of Net-a-porter.com’s best-selling shoe styles.

    The e-tailer is confident it has quietly developed a recipe for success: “Our customers have been highly engaged with all of our kidswear pop-ups with most styles selling out within just a matter of weeks of launching,” she continues.

    Four out of five of the Gucci products sold were logo T-shirts, and the fifth was the belt bag. “It’s so interesting to see, as the pieces are in such high demand in our adult range too.” Starting them early is certainly paying off for the business.

  • Mattel to launch BTS doll this summer

    Mattel to launch BTS doll this summer

    Toy retailer Mattel has announced a comprehensive, worldwide licensing agreement with popular South Korean boy band BTS. The creative collaboration will debut the first-ever line of BTS fashion dolls this summer. Under a multi-category license with BTS under its label, Big Hit Entertainment, Mattel will create dolls, collectible figures, games, and more. The collaboration will launch with a toy line created to resemble the band’s seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook – styled after their looks from the YouTube record-breaking “Idol” music video.

    “BTS is a pop-culture music phenomenon that transcends age, culture and language, and through this partnership, Mattel will offer a new way for millions across the world to engage with the band,” said Mattel’s SVP & global brand GM Sejal Shah Miller.

    “Partnering with established franchises that have global appeal is a cornerstone of our strategy and given our creative expertise, we are perfectly suited to create products celebrating BTS”.

    The BTS fashion dolls were unveiled at this week’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair.

  • Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    To meet an ever-increasing demand for an engaging retail environment, Tablez India announces the partnership with Build-A-Bear, a global experiential retailer. U.S.-based, customized stuffed-animal retail-entertainment brand Build-A-Bear aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025. Besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us as part of Tablez, the retail arm of LuLu Group International.

    Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said, “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to bring it to India. We believe that children who come to our stores will be able to enjoy a different shopping experience that includes participation in creating stuffed animals of their own choice.”

    He also added, “At Tablez, we are continuously striving to meet the increasing demand for high-quality specialty toys, and we look forward to opening more Build-A-Bear and Toys”R”Us stores across India, as our company continues to grow.”

    On this occasion, Dorrie Krueger, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Strategy Officer, said, “We look forward to embarking on this new partnership with Tablez India and helping establish and grow the Build-A-Bear brand in this important global market. As our international franchise portfolio continues to expand, we are further assured that the hug of a teddy bear is understood in any language.”

    Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear has helped millions find their own meaning in a new furry friend. The brand has nearly 500 stores worldwide, and more than 175 million furry friends have been made globally in its 21-year history. Build-A-Bear helps guests mark special occasions, start friendships, and inspires people to make their own adventures. At Build-A-Bear, one is empowered to feel that anything is possible.

    The ‘Choose Me’ wall at every Build-A-Bear store is where the empowerment journey begins as each guest chooses an unstuffed animal to bring to life. Accessories give customers the reins to customize their creation. The heart ceremony is where one can add special wishes to their friend. During the stuffing process, a heart is placed in the bear along with special wishes, and the guests promises to care for their new furry friend. This signature ceremony brings each stuffed animal to life in a personal way, further ensuring a greater attachment. Guests find meaning in each of the animals designed – they are friends, playmates, heroes, look-a-likes and evidence of special memories. Dogs, cats, bunnies and even unicorns complement the timeless teddy bear to ensure there’s a furry friend for everyone.

    Tablez launched the first Toys“R”Us store in Bangalore in 2017. Before end of 2018, 4 stores will be operational, and another 20 stores are expected to be launched in 2019. In February 2019, Build-A-Bear will be launched as part of Toys“R”Us in Phoenix Marketcity, Bangalore. Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. The 20 additional standalone stores of Toys”R”Us are expected to be launched in major locations starting January 2019. Build-A-Bear plans to expand to as many as 65 shop-in-shop format stores and 20 standalone stores in India over the next 10 years.

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  • Slime found to contain toxic levels of boron

    Slime found to contain toxic levels of boron

    Scientists have discovered potentially dangerous levels of boron in children’s slime. On Wednesday, Seoul National University scientists from the school’s Institute of Health & Environment wrote in a scientific journal that 25 out of 30 slime toys they analyzed were found to contain boron levels that exceeded the European Union limit of 300 milligrams per kilogram (2.2 pounds).

    The 25 products were found to contain around 1,000 milligrams per kilogram on average, while one product was found to exceed the limit by seven times.

    While boron, which gives slime its gooey consistency, is naturally found in food like nuts and used in medicine, high doses or exposure may lead to possible disruptions in metabolism, stunted development and infertility.

    There are currently no domestic regulations on boron limits in toys.

    The new findings are throwing parents into a panic, given slime’s massive popularity. Videos of Korean YouTubers playing with slime have garnered millions of views, while over 100 slime cafes have also popped up.

    “My kids are already obsessed with slime toys,” wrote one mother in a blog on Thursday. “We need regulations quickly, but nothing is being done.”

    “I banned slime from our home some time ago,” wrote another. “Though my kids like them, the slime toys are just balls of germs that my kids touch over and over again, absorbing the bad chemicals into their hands.”

    This is not the first time that slime has been under fire for containing hazardous substances. Last year, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards found that 76 of 190 slime products it tested contained unsafe substances including methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone, which can cause respiratory issues.

    The agency has since ordered a recall for the unsafe products.

  • FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store opens

    FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store opens

    New York toy retailer FAO Schwarz has opened a private, invitation-only store in Hong Kong, designed by Studio X. The 1150sqft FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store which quietly opened last month is a prototype retail concept for Asia where the company can test design elements and store features before it opens public stores in Mainland China and beyond.

    FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store brand in the US and a New York City icon frequently referenced in popular culture with scenes in movies such as ‘Big’ in which Tom Hanks famously danced across the store’s giant floor piano. That store closed in July 2015, its turnover no longer sufficient to meet the high rentals of Manhattan, but the legend has lived on.

    Parent ThreeSixty has opened a new store in New York this year and early this month said it planned aBeijing store. The prototype FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store is located inside the newly opened ThreeSixty Group Hong Kong office, which was also designed by Studio X.

    A spokesperson for Studio X said the design is centred around the toy brand’s philosophy “Return to Wonder”, offering “a sense of theatre and occasion that the original New York store was renowned for”. Key design features include many of the original store’s memorable elements such as the giant floor piano and clock tower.

    Studio X oversaw the whole design, including visual merchandising, custom graphics and the shopfront. The company will work with FAO Schwarz to develop further flagship stores across the world next year.

    Studio X was founded in 2016 by Rufus Turnbull and Sam Bradley with a vision to offer a fresh approach to commercial design. Its clients include Ikea, Swire Properties, K11 and Aromatherapy Associates.

    View the gallery below (7 images) :

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  • Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    The first certified Lego Thailand store has opened at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The Danish building-toy manufacturer says the move is part of the brand’s strategic plan for Asian expansion. The new 170sqm Lego Thailand store has opened in a “co-sharing” partnership with DKSH (Thailand) Ltd. It  offers more than 300 Lego toys, 32 of which are exclusive to certified, branded Lego outlets.

    Lego Singapore GM for emerging Asia Atsushi Hasegawa said Thailand is an attractive market for Lego. “The country has an established economy, a large population and an established retail industry … We expect to see faster growth in Asia, including Thailand, and sustainable growth in Europe and America.”

    Hasegawa added that Lego’s targeting of the Asian market recognises that it is home to more than half of the world’s children. While Asia still has a low base for Lego toys compared to many established markets in the West, the company is seeing an opportunity to boost its sales by five or six times in the region.

    Gallery below (6 images) :

    According to Hasegawa, the company’s initial priority is not to increase the number of Lego stores, but to deliver the right brand experience to children at the right locations.

    DKSH’s director of commercial development Arden Feschuk said the company expects the Lego Thailand store will achieve THB100 million (US$3.05 million) in sales in its first year. There is also a plan to expand the number of Lego-certified stores in Thailand later.

    “During the first year of opening, more than 400,000 people are expected to visit the store, with Thais accounting for 60 per cent and foreigners 40 per cent. Due to the company’s one-price strategy, exclusive Lego sets will cost the same here as they do in neighbouring countries.

    “Due to this, Lego fans will no longer have to go overseas to buy Lego products. Also, new collections will be launched at the same time as in the US and Europe”.

    Sixty per cent of Lego’s Thailand sales are currently brought in via distribution in department stores, while more than 15 per cent is derived from specialist toy stores.

  • Iconic Toy Store FAO Schwarz to Open in Beijing

    Iconic Toy Store FAO Schwarz to Open in Beijing

    Heritage toy store brand FAO Schwarz is headed for Beijing after relaunching in New York City. The original store, which featured in Hollywood movies such as Tom Hanks hit “Big”, closed its flagship near Central Park, unable to meet rising rental costs. Its current smaller location under new owners ThreeSixty stands to benefit from significant nostalgia for the old store amongst New Yorkers.

    Beyond plans for China, ThreeSixty intends to open pop-ups in department stores both in the US and abroad.

    It faces the same competition from e-commerce and discount chains like Walmart and Target that toppled toy empire Toys R Us earlier this year.

    Chief merchandising officer David Niggli said the key to the new stores is experience.

    Attractions include magic tricks, certificates to “adopt” a doll and a Build-a-Bear Workshop.

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  • Fung Retailing boosts stake in reborn Toys R Us Asia

    Fung Retailing boosts stake in reborn Toys R Us Asia

    Fung Retailing has finally secured a deal to continue to operate the profitable Toys R Us Asia business. The privately owned Hong Kong business, which is separate to the listed Li & Fung, will boost its stake in Toys R Us Asia from 15 per cent to about 21 per cent, making it the retailer’s largest shareholder.

    The balance will be owned by Taj Noteholders representing a mixture of investment funds and financial institutions who have a stake in the collapsed parent company Toys R Us US.

    Toys R Us Asia has never been affected by the liquidation of the US business – it has been trading profitably under Fung Retailing direction and has even been expanding its store network while shops bearing the iconic banner have been closing in post part of the world. Last week it relaunched its store in Brunei.

    The new partnership between Fung Retailing and Taj Noteholders values the company at US$900 million.

    “This transaction is a significant step in separating the valuable and growing Toys “R” Us Asia operation from the rest of the business,” said an unidentified spokesman for Taj Noteholders in a statement.

    “The company’s growth prospects in Greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia are bright and we are excited about investing in and owning the company in partnership with Fung Retailing”.

    Pieter Schats, executive director of Fung Retailing, said that since introducing Toys R Us to Hong Kong in 1986, Fung Retailing has played an integral role in the successful growth and development of the business across Asia.

    “As a sign of the confidence we have in the management team and future success of Toys R Us in the region, we are pleased to increase our shareholding in the company, reflecting our commitment to support Toys R Us Asia in reaching new heights.”

    The company will continue to be led by its current president & CEO Andre Javes and his management team.

    Technology boost

    The new owners of Toys R Us Asia plan a “significant investment in technology” to boost the company’s infrastructure.

    “We are committed to remaining the leading specialty retailer of toy, education and baby products in Asia by driving innovation and quality through our products and services,” said Javes. “The conclusion of the sale process brings clarity to the company’s ownership and we look forward to strengthening and leveraging our partnerships with our vendors and commercial stakeholders. Our shareholders’ investment is a huge vote of confidence in our vision, our team and our winning model.”

    Toys R Us Asia operates more than 450 stores in Japan, Greater China and Southeast Asia, including Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. It also licenses more than 85 stores in the Philippines and Macau.

  • Toys R Us reopened in Brunei

    Toys R Us reopened in Brunei

    Toys R Us Brunei has relaunched its Mabohai Shopping Complex store. The reopening, after extensive redesign and renovation works, attracted long queues of shoppers hoping to pick up special deals promoting the event. Along with the reopening, the store has expanded its product range by 70 per cent.

    Toys R Us (Singapore) group country director Raymond Burt reassured customers the brand is “here to stay”.

    “We have been in Brunei for around six years and we have re-signed our lease here at Mabohai Shopping Complex. We have also reinvested in the store and spent quite a bit of money to bring the latest design of the market to the store. We have renovated the store with a layout that is segmented by age for children, to make it easier for customers to shop.

    “We have updated the design and signage as well as added elements of interactive play that we didn’t have before.”

    Toys R Us operates 67 stores in Asia and has 18 new stores planned for launch by the end of the year, the majority in China. It is part-owned by Fung Retailing and not affected – as yet – by the collapse of the company in the US.